On Saturday and Sunday, December 9th and 10th, the American Red Cross
of Central New Jersey will host a special Disaster Kitchen Training
class. Red Cross volunteers from throughout New Jersey will be trained
in mass feeding by learning the skills needed to setup, maintain, and
operate a mobile kitchen capable of preparing 5,000 meals per day. This
important aspect of Red Cross relief operations is not frequently held
since it involves specialized training and significant equipment setup
and logistics.

The Red Cross’ 28-foot mobile SYSCO kitchen has been delivered and is
stationed in the Chapter’s parking lot. Basic setup will begin this
Friday. The classroom portion of the training will take place at the
Chapter on Saturday. At approximately 7:30 AM Sunday morning, December
10th, the volunteers will begin the hands-on portion of their training
by preparing breakfast in smaller groups.

At approximately 9:30 AM, the trainees will prepare lunch for 300
people. The prepared meals will then be loaded into a Red Cross
Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) and delivered to the Trenton Rescue
Mission. On Sunday, in addition to the mobile kitchen, tented areas will
be set up outside the mobile kitchen to provide a setting for prep work
that is done outside of the kitchen in an actual disaster response.

WHO: More than 20 Red Cross volunteers from
throughout New Jersey
Two instructors from the American Red Cross

BACKGROUND: The American Red Cross of Central New Jersey provides
disaster relief services locally and, as part of the American Red Cross,
in many large-scale disasters. American Red Cross disaster assistance is
free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the
American people. For more information on the programs and services of
the American Red Cross and to learn how you can get involved, contact
your local chapter. For Middlesex, Mercer, Hunterdon, and parts of
Somerset counties, visit the American Red Cross of Central New Jersey
web site at www.njredcross.org or call 609/951-8550.